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Topic Review (Newest First)

07-15-2013 01:11 AM

arf145

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Reading what others think is too small coincided with what I was experiencing with our new-to-us 33 ft Beneteau, which had Lewmar 30 STs for the headsails and a Lewmar 16 ST for the mainsheet, outhaul etc. These just weren't doing it for my old shoulders--and they were the same size I had on my 28 footer! Don't know if Beneteau cheaped out on that setup or if the original owner did. Anyway, I took advantage of some floor model 40 STs that Defender was selling, and yesterday replaced the 30s and moved one of the 30s up to replace the 16. I got to test this setup today and it was much better all around. Hopefully I can sell the 30 and the 16 to help defray some of the cost.

07-14-2013 09:54 PM

SchockT

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHNOOL

Ok, my boat is MUCH smaller than your folks at 25 feet.
I've considered ST winches for it... I solo sail a lot (even race solo some times)...
I cross sheet even as the winds come up so that I can just grab the sheet, sweat it, and take up the slack. Because of this though my elbow is a mess, but that's another story.

The statement that you need 3 wraps to use the ST function bothers me... I am assuming I can continue to use them as I describe (without the ST function)... but if I want more on them and wanna spare my elbow, I'd need to wrap the leeward side 3 times?

This is my typical "cross sheeting" in action. From the helmsman position, I lean back and pull in the center. Obviously none of this was necessary during THIS sail (6mph winds)... but I've used it successfully solo sailing to 25 knots with the 155 up.

The number of wraps really depends on the winch, the type of rope, and the amount of load, but I am not clear on how more wraps is a problem for your elbow! There is no reason you couldn't use self tailers when you cross sheet. You could just put one or two wraps on the leeward winch, haul as much sheet as you can by hand, then put a couple of wraps on the windward winch and tailer, and then you are free to grind with one hand and steer with the other.

If you have an issue with strain on your elbow, the best remedy would probably be to upgrade to more powerful winches.

07-14-2013 09:45 PM

SchockT

Re: Self Tailing Winches

What is a variety winch?

When people talk about prying off the top of a winch what they are referring to is the retaining ring that goes around the center drive hub. Once you take that ring off, the top plate comes off and usually the drum lifts off. (that is typical on standard non-ST winches) That being said, not all winches work that way. It helps to know the make and model of winch, and perhaps even post a pic.

07-14-2013 09:45 PM

SHNOOL

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Ok, my boat is MUCH smaller than your folks at 25 feet.
I've considered ST winches for it... I solo sail a lot (even race solo some times)...
I cross sheet even as the winds come up so that I can just grab the sheet, sweat it, and take up the slack. Because of this though my elbow is a mess, but that's another story.

The statement that you need 3 wraps to use the ST function bothers me... I am assuming I can continue to use them as I describe (without the ST function)... but if I want more on them and wanna spare my elbow, I'd need to wrap the leeward side 3 times?

This is my typical "cross sheeting" in action. From the helmsman position, I lean back and pull in the center. Obviously none of this was necessary during THIS sail (6mph winds)... but I've used it successfully solo sailing to 25 knots with the 155 up.

07-14-2013 08:41 PM

Sanitie

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Does anyone know how to get the self trailer off a variety winch? I see two openings with rounded brass (no place to place screwdriver or Allen wrench). I was told to pry of the top but the rim is to narrow to get a screwdriver blade under. Btw, I am a bit of an idiot mechanically, but was able to take apart the non self tailers and put them back together. Thanks!

06-08-2013 10:31 PM

SchockT

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Yes used is an option, but winches certainly are NOT indestructible if they are not maintained. I wouldn't buy a used winch without taking it apart and inspecting it very closely. Pawl sockets get worn and sloppy, teeth get worn and damaged, bearings wear. People replace winches for a reason!

06-08-2013 10:50 AM

sonosail

Re: Self Tailing Winches

I have some of the older Lewmar Alum. racing STlers. (<1985)
They aren't bad but the self tailing mechanism doesn't work as well with smaller diameter lines as the newer models (by Lewmar and others.). If you buy used, you might check out this factor.

06-08-2013 03:28 AM

KeelHaulin

Re: Self Tailing Winches

For those who say ST winches are slow for racing, I suggest you use the ST head only when cleating off. Lots of people also don't know how to use an ST winch; they put the line over the tailer before pulling the slack up. use the line over the drum only when sheeting the slack; then put it over the ST and trim the sail. It's much faster and reduces wear on the tailer. Also make sure there are at least 3 wraps on the drum because the finger on the tailer can get broken off with too much load on it.

As for the cost; well it's the difference between having to struggle to grind with one hand and tail with the other, or just grinding the winch. much easier so the price of the new units and resale value of the older ones reflect that.

06-04-2013 03:16 PM

capttb

Re: Self Tailing Winches

Quote:

No question if I was re-winching it would be Andersens.

Beautiful winches, no doubt.
Recently while sailing with friends they mentioned they needed to rebuild their LM's but were a little apprehensive about disassembly. So I took one apart quickly with my bare hands to show them the main assemblies. There's a special place in my heart for that kind of engineering design.